by Joseph H. RADDER
On December 25, 1999, Mrs. Mary Hankerson of Buffalo celebrated her 100th birthday with
help from her friends at the BFNC Moot Senior Center (292 High Street).
The seniors arranged for limousine transportation for Mrs. Hankerson to a special party
in her honor. They also sewed and presented her with a Centennial Celebration dress for
the occasion.
Hankerson was born in Waynesboro, Georgia. She came to Buffalo in 1921 and was employed
as a cleaner at Buffalo’s City Hall until her retirement in the 1970s. She was one of
the BFNC Moot Center’s founding members when it was built at its present site in
1979. Like clockwork, she still visits the Center every Thursday to sing, shop and share
lunch with her friends.
“Everyone has their own life to live,” said Hankerson. “I’ve always
tried to do what’s right, and to do what I can do to help people...I’ve never
been a quitter.” Her advice to the younger generation? “They’ll do whatever
they like, anyhow,” said the sprightly Hankerson. “I just hope they do
what’s right starting now, and don’t wait ‘til they’re 100.”
Joseph H. Radder is a freelance writer.